The Zambian government has rejected donations of genetically modified maize from the United States, even though a massive food shortage threatens nearly 2,3-million of its people with starvation.
”The government has finally decided not to accept genetically modified foods even in our current food deficit situation,” Zambian Information Minister Newstead Zimba announced on state television Friday night.
”In light of uncertainties surrounding the likely consequences of consuming genetically modified food, (the) government has decided to take this precautionary principle on this matter,” he said.
The United States has given repeated assurances that its genetically modified maize – modified to produce higher yields and protect against pests – is safe, and several food experts have urged Zambia to accept it.
But Zimba said the corn posed a long-term risk to the nation’s food security, because there was a risk that it was toxic and would contaminate local seed.
”In this regard all genetically modified foodstuff, including maize that is already in the country should not and will not be distributed,” he said. ”Relevant instructions will be issued to the institutions that are handling the genetically modified foodstuffs that are already in the country.”
Aid agencies said on Saturday they had yet to be officially informed of the government’s decision, but warned it could add to widespread hunger.
”We have enough (food) for September, but after that I don’t know,” said Jo Woods, a representative for the UN’s World Food Program.
Earlier this week Washington offered to give Zambia 23 500 tons of genetically modified maize, and said if this was accepted, a further 28 000 tons would be donated.
Zimba said the government had arranged to import 300 000 tons of corn – that had not been genetically modified – and this would be used to meet immediate food needs.
A further 156 000 tons of maize would also be purchased and placed in a strategic reserve to be used when necessary, he said.
An estimated 12,8-million people in six southern African countries face severe hunger this year, according to the World Food Program.
Meanwhile the Southern African Development Community pleaded for international aid on Saturday, saying more help was needed to address the worst food shortages in the region for more than a decade.
Malawian President Bakili Muluzi, who chairs the 14 nation grouping, said millions of people were already starving and the catastrophe would worsen unless food arrived soon.
In an address delivered in Malawi’s business capital of Blantyre, Muluzi blamed the crisis on a combination of drought, floods and widespread poverty.
He made no mention of government mismanagement of food reserves in several countries, including Malawi, which aid agencies say have contributed to the crisis. – Sapa-AP